William E. Hensley

HENSLEY, POPEJAY, ANDERSON, DETTMANN

Posted By: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs (email)
Date: 4/7/2009 at 15:23:28

WILLIAM E. HENSLEY, farmer and stockraiser, of Greeley Township, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, July 27, 1848.He is the son of J. J. and Martha J. (Popejay) Hensley, who removed to Iowa when William E. was eight years of age. They first located in the northern part of the State, and after making several changes they settled in Audubon County, in the fall of 1870. In the spring of 1871 William E. Hensley, in partnership with his brother, L. M. Hensley, purchased 160 acres in Greeley Township. They continued to buy land until at one time they owned 680 acres in one body. They afterward sold forty acres, retaining just one section, which they divided equally in 1884. They were the first settlers in this part of the county, and the land was wild and unimproved. When Mr. Hensley came to the county he was unmarried, and made his home with his brother. June 27, 1875, he was wedded to Miss Laura Anderson, daughter of David L. and Mary L. Anderson; she was born in Audubon, County, April 27, 1856, and died March 3, 1885. Five children were born of this marriage Clyde, Vernie, Mary E., Clarence Edward and Flora Ina. Mr. Hensley was again married February 20, 1887, to Miss Minnie Dettmann, who was born in Germany, and came to America with her parents in 1881. This union has resulted in one child Hazel M. Mr. Hensley makes a specialty of stock raising, and also buys and ships livestock extensively. He also owns a livery barn in Exira, but has recently disposed of the stock. His farm is under good cultivation, and is well improved in the way of buildings. Politically he is a staunch Democrat. He has served two terms as county supervisor with credit to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents. He has also represented his township in most of the different offices. Mr. Hensley is a self made man, and has arrived at his present position through his own efforts. He occupies an enviable place in the county, socially and financially a just reward of industry and perseverance.

1889 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF
SHELBY AND AUDUBON COUNTIES, IOWA
W. S. DUNBAR & CO., PUBLISHERS
113 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO

pages 777-778